diff --git a/ops/modules/irccat.nix b/ops/modules/irccat.nix
index 2263118d9..9f99e8852 100644
--- a/ops/modules/irccat.nix
+++ b/ops/modules/irccat.nix
@@ -48,6 +48,8 @@ in
     systemd.services.irccat = {
       inherit description;
       wantedBy = [ "multi-user.target" ];
+      after = [ "network-online.target" ];
+      wants = [ "network-online.target" ];
 
       serviceConfig = {
         ExecStart = "${mergeAndLaunch}";